Dr. Christopher Rush, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at HCA Florida West Primary Care - Pine Forest in Pensacola, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Rush understands that your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. He serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. He is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (850) 399-3579 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rush earned his medical degree from Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, followed by an internship and residency at Eglin Air Force Base Regional Hospital. He further honed his skills as a family practice physician in the U.S. Air Force at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, before moving to Pensacola. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Rush believes in medical care that takes the whole person into account, emphasizing communication and patient involvement in the care process to achieve the best possible outcomes. His commitment to comprehensive care, combined with his extensive experience in family medicine, makes him a valuable partner in your health journey. Dr. Christopher Rush provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher Rush is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christopher Rush is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, coordinating complex care and effectively managing chronic conditions while prioritizing your overall well-being and independence. His compassionate approach focuses on understanding your personal goals and creating a plan to maximize your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher Rush can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Curative
Sunshine Health
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Prime
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Rush provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Post-Vaccination Fever: A little fever after vaccination is nothing to worry about; focus on resting and rehydrating, and contact your doctor if concerns arise.
- Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Excessive menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, means heavier or longer periods than usual, which can be tiring and affect daily life, but effective treatments are available to manage it and improve your comfort.
- Long COVID Disorder: Experiencing persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection can be challenging, but understanding Long COVID and receiving proper medical care can significantly improve your physical and mental health, helping you to live more comfortably.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Quitting tobacco products can greatly improve breathing, heart health, and overall well-being in older adults, and managing tobacco use disorder is key to achieving this.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition where your heart rate increases significantly when you stand up, causing dizziness and lightheadedness, but with management strategies, you can minimize these symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Strep Throat: Don't let a strep throat infection slow you down! This bacterial infection, characterized by a painful sore throat, is effectively treated with antibiotics, restoring your comfort and ability to enjoy meals.
- Administrative Physical: Think of an administrative physical as a check-in to streamline your healthcare; it's not a full physical exam but an important step in maintaining comprehensive care.
- Black Hairy Tongue: Black hairy tongue is a harmless condition where the tongue appears dark and furry, often due to a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria, easily managed with improved oral hygiene.
- Foot Infection: Foot infections, like those from a cut or blister, can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics to prevent serious complications and keep you independent.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is a short-lived infection of the bronchial tubes, the air passages in your lungs, often marked by a cough; treatment focuses on easing symptoms to help you feel better and maintain your daily activities.
- Ingrown Nail: Sometimes, a toenail can curve and dig into the skin beside it, leading to an ingrown nail that's painful and can get infected; proper care can help prevent serious complications and keep you mobile.
- Muscle Spasm: Experiencing a muscle spasm can be frightening, but these sudden, intense muscle contractions often respond well to simple home treatments like applying heat or cold packs, allowing you to regain comfort and continue your daily activities.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Christopher Rush offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage helps remove pus or fluid from an abscess, relieving pain and preventing infection, a key step in managing an acute health problem for seniors.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you ensure your preferences for end-of-life care are respected and followed by your loved ones and healthcare providers.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To ensure your heart and lungs are working efficiently as you get older, an ABG test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, helping your doctor fine-tune your treatment plan.
- Biopsy: As part of your ongoing senior care, a biopsy provides valuable information that helps determine the most effective course of treatment and management for your specific health concern.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps manage multiple health conditions by connecting you with specialists and ensuring all your doctors work together for the best possible outcome.
- Diabetes Counseling: This service helps seniors identify potential risks associated with diabetes and develop strategies to minimize those risks.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart health as you age, an EKG can help your doctor assess your heart rhythm and identify potential issues that may need further attention.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a vital part of preventive care, helping protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases and keeping them healthy.
- Physical Examination: A physical exam helps your doctor determine the most appropriate course of treatment and assess the effectiveness of your current medication or therapy, optimizing your health outcomes.
- Preventive Care: Preventive care includes essential screenings and vaccinations that safeguard against common health issues in older adults, improving overall wellness.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Christopher Rush is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After a recent vaccination, a senior felt a slight fever. Following the family medicine's guidance, rest and fluids quickly brought relief, allowing the senior to resume their usual evening walks with their beloved dog.
- With effective management of excessive menstrual bleeding, a woman regained her energy and confidence, allowing her to enjoy her favorite activities without discomfort. Her family also felt a sense of relief knowing their loved one was more comfortable and able to participate in daily life.
- After struggling with persistent fatigue and shortness of breath, a senior couple found relief from Long COVID symptoms, allowing them to resume their weekly bridge club outings and enjoy their grandchildren's visits more fully.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Christopher Rush:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Rush and our practice are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because we often care for patients throughout their lives. This allows us to understand their complete health history and manage their chronic conditions effectively. We're trusted primary care partners, coordinating all aspects of your care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Rush, we'll review your medications, perform a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual health needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Rush on your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To get the most out of your appointment with Dr. Rush, please write down your top health concerns, bring a list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best support for your health.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a fall, bad cold, or UTI. Seeing Dr. Rush for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Rush understands the importance of coordinating care. He will make the referral to a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedist and will then work closely with you and the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and that all treatments are well-integrated.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Rush works with you to create a personalized plan to manage your chronic conditions. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your well-being. We are here as your central coordinator for all your care needs.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Rush and our team can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
HCA Florida West Primary Care - Pine Forest
7458 Pine Forest Rd
Pensacola FL 32526
Phone: (850) 399-3579
Dr. Christopher Rush, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1023003589
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Christopher Rush are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.